In a bid to improve pedestrian safety during early morning and evening hours, the Thrissur Corporation has launched a drive to distribute reflective safety bands.

Mayor Niji Justin inaugurated the initiative by distributing the bands at a function held in front of the Paramekkavu Bhagavathy temple in the city on Wednesday. City Planning standing committee chairperson Karoli Joshwa presided over the event.

The initiative aims at reducing road accidents during dawn and dusk, when pedestrians are often not easily visible to motorists due to low-light conditions.

The reflective bands will shine brightly when vehicle headlights fall on them, enabling drivers to spot pedestrians from a distance and thereby reducing the chances of accidents.

The project is implemented with the support of ESAF Bank. The proposal was originally put forward by Sebastian Joseph, president of the Maitri Residence Association in Evannur, and later taken up by the Corporation.

During the first phase, around 100 reflective bands were distributed. The bands will be provided mainly to morning walkers, members of walkers’ clubs, newspaper delivery workers, labourers in busy market areas and people moving around places of worship. The need for such safety measures has gained attention following several fatal road accidents involving pedestrians during morning walks, including the death of the former Assembly Speaker and former MP Varkala Radhakrishnan in a road accident.